Cabin accommodations offer a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and resort lodging near Deschutes National Forest. Elevations across the area range from 4,000 to 5,000 feet, creating cooler nights even during summer months. Travelers seeking yurt camping within the Deschutes National Forest region can choose from state parks and private campgrounds with varying levels of amenities.
What to do
Mountain biking on scenic trails: Olallie Campground provides access to some of the most popular mountain biking routes in the area. "There's so much to see and do in this area that you'll need to come back numerous times. The campground was super clean with a really nice host," notes one visitor at Olallie Campground.
Fishing in clear waters: The McKenzie River offers prime fishing opportunities directly from several campgrounds. "Great hot springs. Sites are very close together. Close to fly fishing on the McKenzie," reports a camper at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge and Gardens.
Hiking to mountain viewpoints: Devils Lake Campground serves as an access point for summit trails. A visitor noted, "This is the access point for local trails like the PCT and South Sister summit trail. Just a day at the lake is great though! I've spent a lot of time scrambling around this area and camping at Devil's lake."
What campers like
Natural hot springs access: Soaking pools filled from natural sources provide relaxation after outdoor activities. "The hot spring fed pools are so amazing. The hidden garden is something out of a movie. Spots are good size and everything is so well taken care of," says a guest at Belknap Hot Springs.
Riverfront camping sites: Mckenzie Bridge offers camping near rushing water. "Some sites are very small and close together, others are large and more wooded. Some are right on the water also. Vault toilet and boat ramp," mentions a reviewer.
Yurt accommodations: LaPine State Park provides yurt options for comfortable stays. "We stayed in one of the cabins, it was clean and made a nice getaway for a couple days. If you like to take nice long walks there are hiking paths as well as the paved roads in the campground," explains a camper.
What you should know
Weather variability: High elevation means nights get cold even in summer. "It got pretty chilly at night. I never found a camp host. Be sure to bring firewood as there was none for sale in the campground," notes a visitor to Olallie Campground.
Water quality concerns: Some campgrounds have limited water facilities. "The 'potable' water was very iffy. When I stayed there the water was a gross yellow and the test results hadn't come back for it. Definitely bring plenty of drinking water along."
Site privacy varies: Many campgrounds have mixed site layouts. "Sites by the River should be the premier spots. Zero space or privacy between them. Lodge and grounds were clean. Funky little resort, not really sure what it wants to be."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access for kids: Thousand Trails Bend-Sunriver offers swimming facilities during summer months. "Kids loved Sunriver-Bend Thousand Trails because there is bunnies, bullfrogs, mini-golf, a great little river to float on or swim in, ladderball, bingo, movies outside, and some pretty great pools!"
Book riverside sites early: Popular waterfront spots fill quickly, especially during peak season. "Book early for this one. It is right on a running river, with the greenest tree canopy. Every site is spacious, clean, and has a view."
Hike-in camping spots: For more adventurous families, seek walk-in sites. "Beautiful trees, lawns and even a secret garden which is spectacular. The campsite was big and it was a smaller one."
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Plan waste management before arrival. "The dump stations are very tight for space and located in odd areas such that I would have had to meander through the dust and squeeze into the space. Water supply was in the center between the two stations so not ideal."
Hookup positioning: Check utility placement when selecting sites. "We were able to maneuver our 5th wheel to position it around a large shade tree so we could get our slide and awning out plus have the utilities more centered on our rig," shares a visitor to Casey's Riverside RV resort.
Paved site availability: Many parks offer level, paved parking for easier setup. "Every site is big-rig friendly and almost perfectly level. Minimum work getting setup. The river is just feet away."
